Microturbulence and solar wind 1. Analytical results for fast mode instability growth rates

Journal Article · Tue Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1978 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA083iA08p03745· OSTI ID:6651160

Schwartz, S J

Analytical expressions for the growth rates of unstable low-frequency 'fast' modes are derived here in the low-frequency, low-..beta.., limit for a plasma obeying classical linear transport theory. The results indicate that at the onset of instability (approx.10R/sub s/ from the sun) the first growing mode in the solar wind has a frequency of approx.0.1 times the proton gyrofrequency and propagates at an appreciable angle to the background magnetic field. Substantial inhomogeneity is required for the growth to overcome competing processes. These modes may have consequences for thermal conduction, proton and helium heating, the observable wave spectrum, and other facets of solar wind theory, though considerable additional theory will be required.

• Research Organization: Department of Applied Mathematics, Queen Mary College, University of London, London E1 4NS, England
• OSTI ID: 6651160
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 83:A8; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640104* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Solar Phenomena
640107 -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ENERGY TRANSFER
HEAT TRANSFER
HEATING
INSTABILITY
INSTABILITY GROWTH RATES
INTERPLANETARY MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PLASMA HEATING
PLASMA INSTABILITY
SOLAR ACTIVITY
SOLAR WIND
THERMAL CONDUCTION
TURBULENCE